InterFaith Works to host prayer service for Gulf Coast families

Syracuse, NY -- A prayer service for families affected by the oil spill in the Gulf Coast region will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Williow Bay Shelter at Onondaga Lake Park.

"The service is to remind people that the oil leak has subsided, but the impact on peoples' lives down there continues to be very dramatic," said Gloria Heffernan, of InterFaith Works of Central New York. "We want the families to know that we are keeping them in our hearts and our prayers."

Heffernan said the prayer service, which is presented by InterFaith Works Roundtable of Faith Leaders, is to show Central New Yorks continued support to those who are still suffering from the environmental and economic impact of the oil spill, which began in April.

A highlight of the event will be a blessing of cards made by children and families in the Syracuse area, which will be sent to the St. Bernard Parish school district in coastal Louisiana. InterFaith Works launched the "Cards for the Coast" project to show children and families in the Gulf Coast region that they are still in the public's thoughts and prayers.

To date, the organization has collected about 200 cards. Members of the public are welcome to bring a card to the prayer service or come at 5 p.m. to make their own cards to send to the children at St. Bernard Parish school.

For those requiring seating, please bring a lawn chair to the prayer service. For more information, call 449-3552.